Transmission 30: Three Weeks
"So…uh…what do I need to do?" asks Virginia Sims, former KND operative Numbuh 23. She has been taken to an otherwise sealed off section of the Moonbase, the former Decommissioning Chamber, where the Splinter Cell conducted their first Erasure tests and where Virginia herself lost her memories. Observing her from behind an armored and radiation proof window are Kieran, Scorpius, Bartie, Eliza, Rachel, Patton and KND Supreme Leader Numbuh 81, Jacques Duval, accompanied by his liaison officer and two members of the KND Science Division.
"Just wait a moment, we'll tell you what to do shortly." Kieran speaks to a microphone while Eliza looks on with a worried expression.
"Can't believe we have to perform this test in here of all places…"
"No kidding, I remember she went nuts the last time she came here a year ago." Patton remarks as Kieran looks over his shoulder towards the frowning Eliza.
"Can't be helped, Supreme Commander. If there's one good thing the Splinter Cell did, it's that they made this room completely Erasure radiation proof. And we couldn't do this in the vault, now could we?"
"I know, I know…" Eliza replies silently.
"Is this really going to work?" Rachel steps closer to the glass and presses her hand against it. Like everyone else present in the control room, she is feeling anxious about the test.
"According to my calculations, the test's chances of success are 80%, with variables included." Scorpius says in his emotionless voice.
"Alright, let's begin." Kieran presses a button on the control panel in-front of him, causing an alarm to go off which startles Virginia.
"Wha…what's happening?!"
"Calm down, Numbuh Phi. We're starting the test now." Kieran says through his microphone everyone looks on silently. Then, a circular hatch opens in the middle of the chamber and domed pedestal rises from the floor. Inside the glass dome is a glowing, gold earring which Virginia recognizes.
"That's…that's my old earring…"
"Correct. Now listen closely: When the Splinter Cell Erased you, you were only exposed to a small amount of radiation, which meant you were partially Erased. Your earring was irradiated in the process and is now holding fragments of your KND memories inside itself. That machine under it will reconnect your mind with those memories, which should in-theory reverse your condition and get you your memories back."
"Re…really?"
"Aye, but it's only in theory…unless this test works. We have no idea what happens if it fails so before we begin, I want to say thank you for volunteering."
"Don't worry, I'm prepared." Virginia replies calmly and looks towards the window, where her friends are watching with bated breath.
"Alright, here go. Once I open that dome, place your hand over the earring and I'll start the process."
"Right." Virginia nods and approaches the domed pedestal. "You can do this…" then, Kieran presses another button and the dome folds back, causing the chamber to be enveloped in a bright, blue glow.
"Holy crap, is that all Erasure radiation?!" Patton shouts while Rachel becomes worried.
"Come on…"
"Numbuh Phi, do it."
Squinting her eyes, Virginia reaches out towards the earring and the moment she presses her hand over it, Kieran flips a sealed switch on his console.
"Initiating reversal process!" he shouts as an immensely powerful jolt of energy runs through Virginia's body and the blue glow spreads to her.
"ARGH! GHHHHH! YAAAAAAHHHH!" she screams in pain as her head is bombarded by fast moving images and she cannot make any sense of them but despite the pain, she refuses to let go of the earring even though every fiber in her body is telling to do so.
Seeing her in such pain alarms Rachel and Eliza, who immediately run closer to glass. "Virginia!" Rachel yells as Eliza turns to face Kieran, who is staring intensely at a computer screen.
"Numbuh Omicron, what's happening?!" she shouts as Kieran starts typing frantically on his keyboard.
"Dammit, the generator's showing red already! Scorpius, we need more power!"
"Affirmative, rerouting energy from the back up generator." Scorpius comes to his side and starts typing on another keyboard using his smaller hands. "The energy flow is unstable. The cables will break at this rate."
"They'll hold! We just need a bit more time! There's no way I'm gonna let this test fail! Come on, dammit!" Kieran curses as Virginia continues screaming inside the chamber. Despite the immense pain coursing through her body, she starts making sense of the images flashing by and hears familiar voices.
"Goodbye, Numbuh 23. Ya were a great friend."
"Begin the process. This teenager will be a good test subject."
"AAARRGHHH!" then, Virginia's eyes turn blank the chamber is enveloped in a bright blue flash that blinds everyone for a few seconds.
"VIRGINIA!" almost everyone in the observation room shouts at the same time as Kieran's computer screen fills with error messages before the device shuts down, followed by eerie silence.
"…it's…done…" a stunned Kieran stares at his screen as the chamber is filled with a neutralizing green gas. "…*pant* Don't go on it yet, we need to decontaminate the chamber first…" he says to Rachel and Bartie, who were about to open the chamber door. Then, after what seems like an eternity, the gas dissipates and the chamber door open automatically, allowing them to run inside, where they find Virginia collapsed in-front of the pedestal, still holding on to the earring.
"Virginia! Virginia, please, speak to me! Are you okay?" Rachel says frantically as she puts her hand behind Virginia's back.
"Ugh…ow…my head…"
"How are feeling?"
"I…" as her vision clears, Virginia sees Rachel and Bartie watching over her and immediately, tears start forming in her eyes. "I…I…remember…" she mutters as Rachel's eyes widen.
"What?!"
"I…can remember…everything…clearly…" Virginia then looks up at Rachel and tries to smile as a flood of emotions grip her. "Numbuh 362…and you too, Numbuh 35…my…memories…they're back!"
"YES!" Bartie shouts from the bottom of his lungs while a tearful Rachel hugs Virginia.
"IT WORKED! HECK YEAH!" YOU GUYS ACTUALLY DID IT!" Patton cheers loudly inside the control room while Kieran is so overcome by emotion he simply slumps back against his chair and stares blankly at his computer.
"No way…"
"Well done…Numbuh Omicron." Eliza pats him on the shoulder while trying to hold back her tears. "You did it."
"No…it wasn't just me…it's thanks everyone…who helped…" Kieran stutters as his 2x4 headpiece's large lens starts fogging up.
"Indeed, the test was a success, but the device overloaded. We will need to make substantial updates to it." a typing Scorpius says bluntly, unaffected by the celebrations happening around him due to his inability to express any emotions.
"Yeah…but things can only go up from here…"
"You said it, Numbuh Omicron! Come 'ere!" Patton pulls Kieran out of his chair and puts him in a headlock before removing his 2x4 headpiece and starts ruffing up his brown hair.
"Oi, stop it! Get yer hands off me!"
"Not a chance, you maniac!"
"You're the only maniac here, let go!" but no matter how much he shouts, Patton ignores the Science Chief as Rachel helps Virginia up on her feet.
"They're all there...I remember now! Numbuh 86's slumber party! My transfer from Sector K to Sector M!" an elated Virginia recounts her KND past while Rachel holds hand.
"I'm so glad it worked...and you're okay too!" she says and gives Virginia another hug before Bartie does the same.
"It's great to have you back...Numbuh 23."
"It's Numbuh Phi now, or did forget?" Virginia replies cheekily before hugging back while in the control room, Eliza walks over to Jacques and makes eye contact.
"We'll need to keep this a secret for now. You know why."
"Yeah. If the GKND learn about this, they'll send spies to interfere." Jacques replies and the 11-year-old KND Supreme Leader starts smiling brightly, as he and everyone else in the chamber know that after over a year of uncertainty, they can now truly bring back their lost comrades.
…
Across the Moonbase, within the Teen Extension, the swan-like O.M.E.G.A. Number, Cygnus enters the small observation deck inside the No. 10 hangar. She had been wandering around the Teen Extention's hallways and wound up in the hangar, which she and her fellow O.M.E.G.A. Numbers called home since they arrived with Chad. "Oh, there you are." Cygnus says upon noticing Numbuh 9L lying on her side next to Numbuh Vine, who is staring out of the window.
"Mau!" Numbuh 9L greets her while Numbuh Vine turns around to face the silver and blue-colored O.M.E.G.A. Number.
"What is it?" Numbuh Vine replies silently.
"I was taking a stroll around the Moonbase. Ah, by the way, I just got word from Scorpius that the test was a success. Isn't that wonderful?" Cygnus says cheerfully as she joins Vine and 9L, who sits up.
"Really? That's…great…" Vine's voice fades as sees the Earth from the corner of her eye.
"Sorry if I'm being nosy, but is something troubling you?"
"Ah, it's nothing…I'm just…scared…"
"Scared? Is it the GKND? I won't blame you for that."
"Well, them too but it's…something else…" Numbuh Vine mutters as her pot slumps forwards slightly.
"Meow, mrau…" 9L nudges the plantiform and then looks at Cygnus.
"Ah yes, you were a spy here on Earth before, that's right."
"Yeah…I was just remembering some things that happened during my mission, that's all…"
"But why are you scared?" Cygnus asks Vine, who's tentacles turn limp, and her eyes become sad.
"I hurt someone…It was for my mission but Numbuh Epsilon reminded me of it when we arrived here and I can't get it out of my head…"
"Who was this person?"
"…he was…my 'boyfriend'…Nigel Uno…Numbuh 1…My mission was to get close to him and test his loyalty to the KND 6 years ago."
"I see, so you pretended to be his boyfriend. Quite daring, aren't you?"
"That's what I had trained for. But…now…I regret hurting him…he was a genuinely good guy…" Numbuh Vine then moves closer to the window and eyes Earth. "I'm afraid to face him if he gets his memories back…he'll never forgive me…" Vine says wistfully and curls up some of her tentacles. "Delta said he would take whatever Nigel has to say to him head on but I'm…I'm not that brave…"
"So that's it…well don't worry, no matter what, I will be there to lend you a shoulder…a wing should you need it. That's what friends do."
"Meow!" 9L nods and brings the dejected Vine closer while Cygnus pats Vine's pot gently. However, despite feeling grateful, only dread fills Vine's heart. Now that she knows that Erasure can be reversed, it's only a matter of time before she has to meet Nigel again.
…
Despite the test's success, Kieran, Scorpius and the rest of the combined TND/KND science team immediately tear the device down and begin improving it, while Maurice is tasked with finding another similar candidate like Virginia.
Meanwhile the GKND continue to probe the Earth's defenses with their massive, ant-like E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. drones, which have only grown more intelligent, just like Corvus mentioned to Chad. The duo, along with the remaining O.M.E.G.A. Numbers have had to come up with new ways to defeat the E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R.'s but unlike what happened during the first few waves, where they were the only ones who could damage them, now, thanks to the knowledge gained from the downed E.N.R.O.A.C.H.E.R. and S-26's disc, the TND and KND's 2x4 weapon arsenals have improved dramatically, allowing them to fight on an equal footing with the silver-colored drones. All the while, Evil Adult Industries have sent out more Adult Super Villains to harass the KND specifically while the Teen Ninjas have not appeared once since their defeat in Mexico.
However, the rest of the Earth's populus is completely unaware of the interplanetary threat looming over the planet and continue to live their everyday lives. In Cleve, with only a few weeks remaining until McClintock High School's annual Christmas party, the students are busy preparing for the event and none more so than Hoagie, who has practiced the drums daily, along with reworking his van into a minibus. His bandmates Wally and Nigel have also practiced tirelessly while Patton, who has had to balance his TND duties with bass practice, has somehow managed to keep up with his friends.
Three days after the Erasure test, on Friday, the girls have gathered at Abby's house after school, under the pretense of doing the semester's last group assignment, but only Abby and Rachel are actually working on it while Kuki is lying on Abby's bed, gleefully eating popcorn and Fanny is lounging on a beanbag, staring at her phone. "Hey, why don't ya give us a hand?" a frustrated Abby says from behind her desk as she takes off her reading glasses and looks over her shoulder towards Kuki and Fanny.
"But we already *munch* did our parts. Besides, it was you guys who *crunch* wanted to compile the work." Kuki replies with a mouthful of popcorn.
"Yeah, but that don't mean you two can just lay around while we work!"
"Calm down Abby, we're almost done anyway." a slightly tired Rachel chuckles and types on her laptop.
"I know but Abby's getting' distracted by Miss Popcorn Lover over there."
"Oh, you want some?" Kuki innocently offers her bowl to Abby, who sighs and turns around.
"That ain't what Abby meant, ya airhead."
After an hour of arduous work and listening to the sound of Kuki munching her popcorn, the job is done, and Abby throws her hands in the air. "FI-NAL-LY! Why the heck do they gotta give us group assignments right after the exams?"
"Don't ask me. I'm just glad it's over." Rachel replies as she turns off her laptop and takes a beanbag from Abby's large closet, where she has stored the extra beanbags Kuki bought for Hoagie.
"Yay! Go us!" Kuki cheers while Abby leans back on her office chair.
"So, what do you wanna do next? We could watch a movie or something?"
"I wanna sing karaoke!"
"Kuki, we did that last weekend at your place. Besides, you always sing the same songs. Why not try something else?" Rachel says as Kuki puts down the popcorn bowl.
"But I like karaoke…and I don't sing the same songs all the time!"
"Oh really? Then why don't ye try countin' the times you've sang 'My Heart Will Go On', huh?" Fanny remarks and Kuki becomes embarrassed.
"It's not my fault I like that song…" Suddenly, her phone starts ringing to the tune of the Rainbow Monkey theme song. However, when she checks who's calling, her face goes pale, and her reaction causes the girls to instantly tell that Wally is the one calling her.
"Hey, you gonna keep him waitin'? Go on, answer already." Abby says while covering her mouth to hide her snickering.
"Uhm…of course I will!" Kuki huffs and runs out of the room while her friends laugh.
"Hah-hah, that girl's hopeless." Abby chuckles while Rachel nods back.
"I guess she doesn't get calls from him often."
"I can believe that. We're talkin' about a brick for a brain and an airhead here." As her friends keep snickering, Kuki answers the phone in the hallway.
"He…hello?"
"Kuki? Hey, we're gonna have a band meeting at Hoagie's tomorrow. You comin'?"
"Eh? Of course! I'd love to!"
"Great. Hoagie's gonna pick ya up. See ya!" Wally hangs up abruptly, leaving Kuki disappointed, since he has never called her before.
"You didn't have to hang up like that…" she puts her phone into her blouse pocket and returns to Abby's room, where she is greeted by the sly glares of her friends. "What?!"
"So, what did ya talk about?"
"Oh…uhm…he asked if I could come over and help him with some homework, that's all."
"Ooh, you're going to his place again. Is it just the two of you?" Abby's snickering irritates Kuki who hops on the bed and starts eating popcorn with both hands.
"No…Hoagie's coming too…"
"Hoagie? Why the heck's he comin' there?"
"Uhm…he said he needed some help too…with English literature…" Kuki lies before she starts munching on more popcorn while Abby looks on silently, feeling slightly miffed Hoagie didn't ask her to help like he normally does.
"Hey, you'll get a stomachache if you keep wolfing popcorn like that."
"I don't care…" Kuki shrugs off Rachel's warning and continues to eat.
"…anyway, have you all gotten a date for the Christmas party?" Rachel asks her friends and Abby smirks while pointing at a pouting Kuki
"Heh, you shoulda seen it when Kuki tricked Wally into asking her. Man, she had him good."
"I had to do something! Otherwise, he'd be alone…"
"Don't ya mean he didn't ask so ya had to do it instead? Don't try hide it, ya airhead."
"I'm not an airhead! At least I have a partner." Kuki snaps at Abby, who nearly loses her composure.
"Ha…how do you know Abby don't have a partner?!"
"Well, do you?" The others stare at Abby, who has to cover her reddened face with her hat.
"I…Abby's goin' with Hoagie, obviously…"
"Ohmygosh, really? Did he ask you?!" Kuki gets excited while Abby continues to hide her face.
"Tuesday…after we left the Council room."
"I bet he blurted it out all at once." Fanny chuckles but Abby is not amused.
"…"
"That makes two!" Kuki declares and looks expectantly at Rachel and Fanny.
"Of course, I've got a partner! I'm goin' with Patton. We decided that after the exams ended. I hate bein' hounded by all the stupid boys."
"Figures." Abby rolls her eyes as Rachel puts her hand up.
"I'm going with Nigel. He insisted since I'm the Vice-President."
"You sure it was just that?" Abby looks sharply at Rachel, who unexpectantly panics.
"O…of course! Besides, Nigel's too focused on his duties to think about those things. I mean, he's already been dumped once!" but the moment the words escape her lips, Rachel realizes what she has just said and immediately covers her mouth while her friends are stunned by her words.
"WHAT?! Really?! Who was it?! Tell me, tell me!" Kuki pleads as her piercing glare makes Rachel uncomfortable.
"Yeah Rachel, why don't ya tell us?" Abby crosses her arms as Rachel tries to cover up her blunder.
"I…don't know who it was but that's what I heard from his mom when I was uh…visiting his house…I was helped Nigel with council work! Yeah, that's right!"
"Hmm…okay…" While Fanny and Kuki try get more out of Rachel, Abby becomes suspicious but doesn't press the issue. Then, she looks out of the window and sees small snowflakes falling from the sky. "Huh, looks like winter's finally here…"
"What?! It's snowing?! Yay, I love snow!"
"Really? Lemme see." As Kuki and Fanny walk over to the window, Abby notices Rachel staring at the floor, with a pained expression. Then, she remembers that Nigel had a picture of her, yet she isn't in any of the pictures in their albums.
"Hmm…somethin' ain't right here…"
…
The next morning, on Saturday, Kuki is standing on the driveway of her house. She is wearing a pink winter jacket and pink mittens, yet she is still shivering. "Why does it have to be so c.c.c. …" she rubs her hands together to warm them up when she hears the familiar sound of Hoagie's van horn. As he parks on the roadside, Kuki immediately hops on and starts blowing into her hands. "Uhhh…it's so cold outside…"
"Tell me about it. Good thing we've got a garage, otherwise, Betsy 3 would've frozen solid." Hoagie replies and starts driving towards the outskirts. "You wanna listen to some music?"
"Yeah!" Kuki nods and Hoagie turns on the van's old but working cassette player.
"Why do you use cassettes, Hoagie?"
"I don't know, maybe I'm a bit old school or something. Abby tells me all the time to get a CD player or a Bluetooth radio, but I like using cassette tapes." Hoagie says but Kuki can sense sadness in his voice.
"I heard you asked her to the party?"
"What? She told you? Aw shucks…" Hoagie scratches his nose slightly while smiling sheepishly.
"So you did?! That's so cute!"
"Eh-heh…thanks…I guess…but I think she agreed only because she didn't want to deal with other guys…" Hoagie's smile immediately fades, and he looks solemnly at the road ahead while Kuki fidgets slightly in her seat and then, she speaks again.
"You really like her, don't you?"
"Huh-hwhaaat?!" Kuki's question causes Hoagie to nearly drive into a ditch before he manages to regain control. "Wha…what are you talking about?! I uh…I…"
"You said you wanted to impress her with the band!"
"Aw man…why are you bringing that up…" Hoagie tries to dodge the question, but Kuki's intense stare causes him to give in. "Well…heh, I think it's just a one-sided thing, you know? I mean, don't get me wrong, being her boyfriend would be greatest thing to ever happen to me but…nah. She's waaaaaay out of my league. I'm just a nerd who drives a stinky, noisy van and she's…well she's just…too cool. There's no way she'd even consider someone like me…" Hoagie's voice fades while Kuki looks on with a sad expression.
"What if it's not one-sided?"
"Hah-hah, get real. I've got zero chance. Besides, I know she'd take Maurice over me any day…" Hoagie laughs weakly as he rounds the junkyard and approaches the Beetles residence. "Sorry, I didn't wanna ruin the mood…let's just drop it, okay? Just being her date in the party is enough for me. But! I'm gonna make sure she'll have the time of her life!" Hoagie huffs as he parks the van in-front of Wally's house, but Kuki doesn't say anything. Then, she notices the front door opening and Wally stomps out of the house, guitar case in hand. She immediately moves the middle seat as Wally opens the sliding side door.
"Huh? Kuki, what the heck are you doing here?" he asks as he puts the case into the cargo compartment.
"Hoagie picked me up earlier…"
"Oh, right." Wally replies and closes the sliding door before hopping on to the empty window seat.
"I cruddy hate winter…" Wally mutters as Hoagie turns the van around.
"And why's that?"
"Cuz I hafta plow the snow, alone! I hate pushing that stupid plastic plow everywhere…"
"I get what you mean. We used to have a snowblower but then Tommy ran over the chord. Mom was super angry."
"Haha, I wish we had one of those." Wally chuckles slightly as he leans on the door's armrest with his right elbow. The rest of the drive to Hoagie's house goes by in total silence, as Hoagie is still troubled by Kuki's question. Soon, they arrive at the Gilligan residence just as the snow starts falling faster.
"Aw man, I hope the blizzard doesn't hit the town directly." Hoagie says as he drives the van into the garage, where Patton's SUV is parked as well. They are greeted by Nigel and Patton, who were waiting for them.
"Hi guys. Looks like you just made it before the blizzard." Patton says as Kuki and Wally hop out of the car. Hoagie meanwhile closes the garage door behind him and climbs out of the van.
"So, what are we doin' now?" Wally asks while he opens his guitar case.
"Well, since we've decided on the setlist already, all that's left is to practice like there's no tomorrow." Nigel says sternly as the boys prepare their instruments while Hoagie hands Kuki a microphone.
"Haven't we been doing that already?" Patton smirks slightly as he finishes tuning his bass guitar.
"You can never have enough practice buddy. So, you guys ready?" Hoagie says from behind his drumkit and received nods from his friends. "Okay, here we go! A one and a two and one, two, three, four!"
And so, the hatchling band start their first group practice for the Christmas party and after 3 hours of playing, singing and arguing, the teens have become exhausted. "Wow…my arms are tired…" Hoagie pants and leans back on his seat while Nigel turns off his keyboard.
"I think that's enough for today."
"Yeah, I agree. I gotta do some practice on my own later. I'm seriously rusty…" Patton says as he puts down his bass guitar.
"That was really fun, guys! When are we gonna practice again?" Kuki asks eagerly while Nigel looks at the calendar from his phone.
"How about after school on Monday? Are you all free?"
"Yeah, sure. I got Science Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so it works for me."
"Got no clubs, any day is fine by me."
"Me too! I've got the same days booked as Hoagie."
"Alright, then let's meet in the band club room like before. On weekends, we'll practice here. But try to practice by yourselves as much as you can. Remember, we only have three weeks left."
"Yeah, of course. Hey, do you guys want a soda or something? I really need one right now." Hoagie asks as he puts away his drumsticks.
"Ooh, get me one too!" Kuki replies excitedly while Nigel, Patton and Wally nod.
"Then let's go to the kitchen. I don't remember what we got there right now." Hoagie gets up but just as he is about to open the laundry room door, Betty Gilligan throws it wide open. "Huh? What's up, mom?"
"Hoagie, you need to go clear the driveway. It's been snowing this whole time."
"But mom, we were gonna…"
"No buts, young man! If you don't do it, your friends can't leave either, since the garage door is buried in snow, and so is my car!"
"Haah…fine…" Hoagie replies as his mother walks back to the living room. "Sorry guys but I gotta…"
"What are you talking about? We'll do this together. Right guys?" Nigel says to the others, who nod, except Wally, who is not happy about plowing snow again.
"…aw crud, why do I gotta plow the snow here too? OW!" Wally yelps, having received a firm kick to the shin from Kuki.
"Right, time to dig out that car!" Nigel takes command as everyone starts putting on their winter clothes, although Wally does so reluctantly. However, when Hoagie opens the garage door, the big snowbank that had formed on the other side, collapses and fills the entrance.
"Oh, that's just great! Why the crud did ya have to open it?!"
"Hey, I didn't know it was that big!"
"It doesn't matter, Hoagie. At least you keep the shovels and plows here. Okay, pick your tools and let's begin." Kuki, Nigel and Hoagie each take a shovel while Wally and Patton grab plows and climb over the snowbank. Then, the five teenagers start clearing the snow from the garage and the driveway respectably and after about an hour of hard work, they've finally gotten rid of the snow, even though it continues to fall down from the sky.
"Haah…haah…I cruddy…hate…snow…" Wally pants as he leans on his plow.
"Heh…then why did you do the most work?"
"Cuz I wanted to get this crud over with…" Wally snaps at Patton, who is also exhausted.
"Hey guys, Hoagie's mom is making hot chocolate! Let's go back inside!" Kuki shouts from the garage's doorway.
However, before the boys can do so, a black limousine with a large plow mounted to its bumper, drives past the Gilligan residence, creating a wall of snow at the end of the driveway. "Hey, that limo just blocked the driveway!" Hoagie shouts and angrily waves his shovel at the limousine, which disappears into the blizzard.
"Why did it have a plow in the front?" Nigel crosses his arms as Wally straightens himself and grabs his plow.
"Who the crud cares? They just gave us more cruddy work." He mutters and walks past the others, towards the long pile of snow. Then, after 10 minutes, they're done once again and this time, they head back inside without looking back. As the teens sit down on the kitchen table, Hoagie's mother hands everyone a mug of hot chocolate.
"Ah, this is delicious! It's been ages since I've had hot chocolate."
"Yeah! It's the best winter drink!" Kuki nods at Nigel as she takes a sip from her mug. Patton, however, refuses to touch his.
"What's wrong Patton? Not a fan of hot chocolate?" Hoagie nudges him.
"Huh? No, no, I am, I was just…thinking…" Patton replies quickly as he takes his mug and drinks, but the only thing in his mind is the limousine, which he recognized. "That…that limo was just like…no…it couldn't…I gotta report this…"
"Oh yeah, you guys aren't gonna believe what I heard yesterday!"
"Well?" Nigel asks Kuki as she fidgets on her seat.
"Rachel said that Nigel had a girlfriend in elementary school!" The moment Kuki blurts out the words, Nigel nearly chokes on his hot chocolate while Hoagie almost spits his out and Patton has to stop himself from reacting while Wally stares at Kuki for a second before he starts to laugh wildly.
"BAH-HA-HAH! Oh, that's rich!"
"G…girlfriend?! What are you talking about, Kuki?! I've never had a girlfriend!"
"Well, that's what Rachel told us! She said your mom told it to her when she was at your place!"
"She what?! Why would my mom…could you stop laughing already?!" Nigel shouts at Wally and Hoagie, who are both laughing wildly.
"Hah-hah…so…sorry Nigel…it's just…it's hard to imagine YOU dating anyone!"
"Yeah, she'd have to be a worse stickler than you!"
"Hey, stop being mean to Nigel! What's wrong with him having a girlfriend?!" Kuki crosses her arms and looks disapprovingly at the two boys.
"Nothing…hah…hah-hah…hey, since Kuki said 'had', does that mean Nigel got dumped or something?"
"Don't ask me! I would know, if I could remember…" Nigel replies to Hoagie and stares intensely at his mug.
"Don't you have any pictures of her in your album?" Kuki asks while the mere mention of the album causes Patton to freeze, but he keeps his composure.
"No, not that I can recall…"
"Then I can check from mine. I'll be right back." Hoagie says and runs upstairs to pick up his album, but upon inspection, there is no one in the album who would fit the role of girlfriend.
"Just like I thought, only Kuki, Abby and Fanny are in there. No other girls."
"Oh, maybe you dated one of us then!"
"What?!" Kuki's suggestion causes the boys to look at each other for a second.
"Well, it couldn't have been you, Kuki. Not with the way you're grabbing Wally in almost every picture." Hoagie says slyly, causing Kuki to blush.
"Did ya have to point it out…"
"I…that's just what friends do!"
"Then if it wasn't Kuki, that leaves only Fanny and Abby." Nigel mutters as Wally finishes his drink and points at a picture of Fanny.
"Ya can rule out Fanny. She hates guys, right?"
"Mostly, yes. Except Patton for some reason."
"Because we're just childhood friends, that's all."
"Then was it Abby?! She looks pretty happy with you in those pictures." Hoagie twitches slightly but Nigel quickly shoots down Kuki's suggestion.
"No, it has to be someone else. I'll have to ask mom about this…hmm…"
"Tell us about it later, okay? I really wanna know who it was!" Nigel nods to Kuki and goes into investigation mode while the conversation moves on to the band, but Patton remains silent.
"I need to talk with Rachel about this…did she let it slip on purpose?"
After finishing their drinks, everyone calls it for the day and Hoagie takes Kuki and Wally home while Patton does the same for Nigel. While driving through the waning blizzard, Kuki looks out of the van's window and sees the moon peek from behind the clouds. "Hey guys?"
"Hmm?"
"What's up?"
"I had a dream earlier this week…and I think I saw my memories in it."
"Wow, really? Was it like a flashback or something?"
"No…I was looking at a TV and it like…showed me different scenes…I don't know what they were about but I'm sure they were memories."
"Well, it's better than having a nightmare. Did you make anything out of it?"
"No…not really…"
"These cruddy dreams don't make any sense…"
"You said it.
…
Sunday afternoon. Nigel has been left puzzled by what he heard on Saturday and is now going feverishly through the photo box his mother found from the attic. "Just who is this mystery girlfriend?! It doesn't make any sense. Hmm?!" He notices a picture, which has been taken in a photobooth. In it is a 10-year-old Nigel, frowning and trying to look away from the camera while a peculiar looking, stocky girl tries to pull him closer. The girl has braided auburn hair, round glasses and she is wearing a yellow t-shirt and a blue skirt. "This is it! But…I've never seen her before…who is she?!"
Nigel stares at the photo and notices something written on the other side. "'To my Nigie' Huh? Was that...her nickname for me? *gasp* Urgh...no...not again!" Nigel is struck by yet another headache fit but it isn't as powerful as before and only last a few seconds. Alarmed, Nigel puts the photo on the table and leans back on his office chair. "She must've been important, otherwise I wouldn't have had that headache..." but try as he might, Nigel does not recall ever seeing her, not even at their high school.
"Hmm…" he walks out of his room and goes downstairs, where his mother, Margaret knits a scarf while watching TV. "Mom?"
"Yes, what is it, Nigel?"
"I uhm…I've got a question…" Nigel hesitates slightly and hands Margaret the photo. "Who is that girl?"
"Oh, you don't remember?! She used to come over all the time. It was so adorable how she always called you Nigie."
"No, I don't remember. I have amnesia, didn't I tell you that?"
"Yes, of course. Well, her name was…Lizzie. Ah yes, Lizzie Devine. She lived across town, but you went to the same elementary school."
"Lizzie huh? Uhm…was there…anything between us?"
"Was there? Oh Nigel, she was your girlfriend, for at least two years. But she dumped you before you turned 11. I remember you were awfully upset about it."
"Oh…I see…well, does she live here anymore?"
"Oh no, she moved out of town not long after you two broke up. I think it was...uhm…7 years ago. But that was just puppy love, dear, so don't worry about it too much."
"I'm not, I was just curious…because I heard from Kuki that you told Rachel about it."
"Did I? Hmm, well, that must've been just a silly slip of the tongue, Nigel. Or does it bother you that she knows?"
"No, of course not. Sorry, I'll go now." Nigel takes back the photo and walks back upstairs while his mother looks on with a smile on her face.
"Oh Nigel, always so serious about everything."
Back in his room, Nigel has sat back down on his office chair and writes more notes into his notebook. "Well, if she doesn't live here anymore, no point in pursuing this lead further." He eyes the photo and puts it on his nightstand, next to the framed picture of him and Rachel. "But that other picture is the one I should be investigating…" He takes the framed photo and sits back down. Then, he is reminded of the notes they had found on the back of their albums and begins fiddling with the frame. "Hmm…why is it so tight?" No matter what he tries, the frame does not open, piquing his interest further. "The only explanation for this would be that there's something hidden inside…I'll have to ask Hoagie to take a look at it…" Nigel puts the photo on his desk and continues writing in his notebook.
…
The girl has a dream: She is lying on a sofa and reading a book when suddenly, the book's text disappears, and it's replaced by pictures. "Huh?" she begins flipping through the pages and hears a voice every time she sees a new picture. She hears faintly familiar voices as she looks at a picture of two girls: "Here ya go, Sis." "No, you keep it." The taller girl hands the shorter one something, but she can't tell what it is. Then she moves on and finds another picture, that shows a group of kids watching as a teenager is being led away: "Don't worry, I'll keep your CD's AND your boyfriend safe while you're gone." The voice again sounds familiar, but she can't recognize it. On the following page, she realizes that the picture is missing but she can hear voices: "YOU MURDERER! YOU KILLED HIM!" This time she can tell exactly who the voice belongs to, but she can't bring herself to say it. Panicking, she moves on to the next page and finds a serene picture of two people, embracing in what seems to be zero gravity, but she can't hear anything. Then, the book closes itself and everything turns white.
"Gah! Haah…haah…aw man…not again…" Abby sits up and looks at her hands, realizing that she is shaking. "What the heck was that…? And why did I…hear her voice…why was Cree there?!" She looks over to her nightstand, where she has a picture of her and her older sister, holding their infant nephew. "Cree…what happened to us…why don't ya wanna see me again?" Abby laments and takes a deep breath.
After eating her breakfast, Abby goes back upstairs to pick up her school bag and as she does so, she glances at her sister's locked door before heading back downstairs. "Ah, good morning mon cher. Leaving already?"
"Yeah, Abby's gotta pick up Kuki and Wally first."
"Of course. Well, be careful, Abigail. The roads are very slippery."
"I'll be fine Mama, Hoagie changed the car's tires yesterday." Abby says and kisses her mother on the cheek before she leaves the house. However, the only thing in her mind is the dream she had.
When she arrives at Kuki's house, like always, Abby parks the car on the driveway and waits for her. Then, after a few minutes, Kuki rushes out of the front door and quickly hops into the car. "Haah…sorry I'm late, Abby…I couldn't find my bag anywhere…"
"Is fine…Abby just got here anyway." Abby replies calmly and drives away from the suburbs, towards the outskirts where Wally lives.
"Wow, it's so pretty outside! I hope the snow stays over Christmas."
"Yeah…" Abby's indifferent reply doesn't go unnoticed by Kuki, who immediately turns to face her.
"Are you okay?"
"Abby's fine, just tired, that's all."
"You don't look tired…"
"Well, Abby is, so mind your own business." Abby snaps at Kuki, but immediately apologizes. "Sorry, Abby didn't mean it like that…"
"It's okay, I understand." Kuki shrugs it off, but Abby's behavior begins to worry her.
Soon, they arrive at Wally's house, where he is already waiting, and the girls can tell he's not happy. "What's up with you?" Abby asks as Wally gets in the backseat and crosses his arms in frustration.
"Dad woke me up at 6 AM and forced me to shovel all the cruddy snow from the front lawn. Said it was 'good exercise'. Hah, yeah right…"
"6 in the mornin'? Is yo dad crazy?"
"That's what I wanna know…" Wally yawns loudly as Kuki looks over her shoulder towards him. "What?"
"Uhm…nothing, sorry." she quickly turns around while Wally leans back on his seat. The rest of the drive to school quickly in silence, apart from Wally almost falling asleep twice. Abby however remains troubled over her dream, but she is too afraid to tell anyone about it. As the school day goes on, Kuki becomes increasingly worried about Abby, but she can't bring herself to ask again.
Lunch break arrives and Hoagie has managed to get the table next to the large window. "Over here, guys!" he waves at Wally and Nigel, who got stuck in the line.
"How'd you get ahead of us?"
"Heh, I told the teacher I had to go to the bathroom 10 minutes before the bell rang." Hoagie grins slyly as the boys sit down opposite to him.
"Hmph, I thought so." Nigel smirks while Wally has trouble keeping his eyes open.
"What's with him?"
"His father forced him to shovel snow at 6 AM." Nigel replies as Wally yawns again.
"Ouch. Hey Wally, you should eat and get your strength up. We've got practice today."
"Huh? Oh…right…" Wally mutters and starts to lazily eat his lunch.
"Oh yeah, did you find anything about that mystery girlfriend?"
"Hmm? Ah, right. Yes, I did. My mother found a box full of old photos from the attic and I've been studying them since November. And would you know it, there was a photograph of that girl in there. Take a look." Nigel takes his wallet and puts the small photo on the table.
"Wow, is that her?"
"I think so. My mother said we dated for 2 years. But I can't recall anything about her."
"'For my Nigie'? Hah-hah, that's a heck of a nickname alright!" Hoagie and Wally start chuckling together
"Hey guys, what's up?" Kuki asks as she, Abby and Rachel approach the table.
"Nice timing! Check it out, Nigel found a photo of his ex!" Hoagie shows the photo to the girls as they join them at the table.
"Really?! Lemme see!" Kuki grabs the picture and inspects it. "Oh my gosh, you two look so cute together!"
"Heh, you can tell who the boss in that relationship was." Hoagie chuckles but Rachel frowns slightly. She had been told off by Patton about her slip up and the sight of Numbuh Vine's human form angers her.
"Did ya find out her name?"
"Yes, mother said her name was Lizzie Devine. She doesn't live here anymore though. She moved away 7 years ago." Rachel becomes even more uncomfortable with the conversation, which Abby immediately picks up on.
"Huh? Rachel, what's up?"
"Oh, nothing…I just…Sorry I let it slip earlier…I didn't mean anything by it."
"Don't worry, it's alright, Rachel. I can't exactly remember her anyway."
"That's a relief…" Rachel smiles weakly, but Abby is not convinced. However, she does not push the subject and eats her lunch in silence.
"Anyway, how's the planning for the Christmas party going?" Hoagie asks Nigel and Rachel, who look at each other.
"Well, the catering is covered. We still need to figure out the layout for the stage, since the dance floor will be in the gym." Rachel opens her phone and shows everyone a to-do list.
"Ah, I can't wait! I'm so excited!" Kuki says happily.
"You're not the only one. It feels like all the 10th and 11th graders are getting into a party mood."
"Not just them, Hoagie. The whole school seems much more…lively now that the whole sports festival fiasco is behind us."
"And Ernest's gone too, Nigel! I'm not missing him at all." Hoagie notes as he finishes his lunch and gets up.
"Where' ya goin'?"
"Sorry, I got some things to do before class starts, see ya." Hoagie says to Abby and marches out of the cafeteria.
"He's been on cloud nine lately, what's with that?"
"You don't know, Nigel? He asked Abby to the Christmas party, so of course he's happy." Kuki pulls Abby closer to herself while Nigel cleans his sunglasses.
"Really? Well, that's great news…hey, Wally, are you there?" Nigel realizes that Wally has fallen asleep next to him, his head pressed against the table. "Wally?! Wake up!"
"Huh…whu…aw crud…" Wally mutters and yawns.
"Maybe you should go to the nurse's office and get some rest. It's better than falling asleep during class."
"Yeah…you're right, Nigel…"
"I'll go with you! Come on." Kuki helps Wally up, despite his resistance.
"Hey, I can walk by myself!"
"Oh no, I'm taking you to the nurse's office. Otherwise, you'll fall asleep in the hallway, silly." Kuki grabs Wally's arm and begins pulling him out of the cafeteria while some student's giggle.
"I said I'm fine! Aw crud…"
"Heh, she's really taken the offensive now…" Abby chuckles but then her thoughts go back to the dream she had, causing her shoulders to hunch down.
"Well, I'll go to the faculty room and tell Ms. Rainey that Wally's not feeling well, since we're in the same course group."
"Wait, I need to talk with Ms. Rainey too, let's go together." Rachel quickly gets up and follows Nigel out, leaving Abby by herself.
"Ya can't keep this to yoself forever…"
…
The last period ends and Abby has been unable to focus on her studies at all. She walks silently to the lockers, where she notices Hoagie and Wally conversing in-front their lockers. "Hmm? Hi Abby."
"Yo…" she mutters and opens her locker to take her gym bag.
"You've got karate next, right?"
"Yup."
"I'll take Wally home then. Oh right, Nigel asked us to help carry some stuff to the Stu Co room, so we're gonna split."
"Yeah, okay…wait, Hoagie!" Abby tries to speak up but the boys have already gone up the concrete stairs. Abby sighs and closes her locker but then, she notices Kuki walking towards the stairs as well. "Kuki? Where ya headed?"
"Ah, hi Abby! I was planning on doing some homework in the library."
"Oh, okay…you need a ride later?"
"Mom's picking me up today, but thanks for the offer."
"Right…"
"I'll call you later, okay?"
"Yeah…got it…" Abby nods and let's Kuki go but as she heads to the karate hall, she kicks the ground in frustration. Abby then changes into her karate outfit and heads out to the tatami to warm-up when she is approached by one of the Senior members.
"Ah, you're early as always, Lincoln."
"Yup, I gotta blow off some steam today. So ya better be prepared if ya wanna spar with me."
"I'll keep that in mind. By the way, we were going through some of the old stuff left behind by the previous Senior's and found these." The auburn-haired 12th grader hands Abby a glass trophy and a photo.
"Huh? The heck is this?" Abby eyes the trophy and to her shock, she realizes it has her sister's name engraved in it. "C…Cree?"
"Yeah, that's the last trophy she won 6 years ago, when she was a member of the school team. I don't know why it was left there, but we thought you should have it." Abby turns her attention to the photo, which depicts her sister Cree posing with the trophy, flanked by Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln while Abby is standing next to their father, a hollow smile on her face. The more she looks at the photo and the trophy, the more uncomfortable she becomes.
"Wh…why…why's it always gotta be you…" Abby grits her teeth as the Senior girl notices her reaction.
"Uhm, you alright?"
"Ah, sorry, Abby's fine. I'm gonna… take these to my bag, okay?"
"Yeah, sure., Practice doesn't start until 10 past 2 anyway."
"Right…" Abby replies and heads back to the changing room but the moment she closes the door behind her, she throws the trophy against the wall, shattering it into a million pieces. "Argh…why do ya gotta keep hauntin' Abby like this?! Why?! If ya hate me so much, say it to Abby's face and stop hidin' behind Mama and Daddy!" she shouts angrily and changes back to her normal clothes before marching out of the changing room before hopping into her car and with a loud screech, Abby drives out of the school's parking lot and makes a beeline home.
But when she opens the door, she is greeted by her mother. "Abigail? You're back early. Mama thought you had karate practice, non?" But Abby doesn't reply and simply runs upstairs into her room and slams the door behind her. Throwing her bag aside, she jumps into her bed and buries her face into the pillow.
"Dammit…dammit…DAMMIT!" She screams into the pillow as her mother gently opens the door.
"Mon cher? Is everything alright?"
"Leave me alone…" Abby replies but her mother shakes her head and sits down on her bedside.
"You're upset, Abigail. Maybe Mama can help you?"
"…" Abby keeps her head buried in the pillow and hands her mother the picture.
"Hmm? What's this? Why, this from when Cree won her 5th karate tournament…mon dieu it feels like an eternity. Where did you get this?"
"…a Senior gave it to me…"
"Then is it the picture that made you upset?"
"…does Cree hate me?" Abby's question surprises Mrs. Lincoln who puts her hand on Abby's head.
"Abigail…"
"She does, doesn't she?! Daddy said she don't wanna see Abby ever again! What, she too scared to say it to me?!"
"Abigail, it's not like that…"
"Then what is it?!" Abby sits up and stared angrily at her mother with reddened eyes.
"…Abigail…Cree went through some terrible things last year and…"
"Don't tell me, she couldn't handle breakin' up with Maurice? Ain't that what ya told Abby before?" Abby asks sarcastically.
"No. And it wasn't just her, Abigail. We…we almost lost both of you that spring."
"Whu? Wait, what do ya mean?"
"You see, mon cher, Cree ran away from home that May. We looked everywhere but not even the police could find her…then you were assaulted."
"Assaulted?"
"Yes. You were really worried about Cree, so you went to look for her one night and then the police found you fainted in a bush. Oh, it was terrible…you were beaten and bleeding…thank goodness they found you."
"No way…" Abby stares at her mother who then continues.
"We thought that was the end of it but then one morning you said you had to go… Papa told me your went to help your friend who was in trouble but then you didn't come back either. You were gone for a week."
"A week? Then what?"
"You missed your graduation from middle school and then Maurice brought Cree home before you came back…Not long after that Cree dropped out of university and moved away…that's when she said she didn't want to see you again…" Abby remembers the meeting she had with others about their school records.
"I missed my graduation…wait, Mama, was Abby actin' weird when I came back?"
"Uhm…non, I don't think so…but you did seem a bit distant for a few days before Cree left, if I remember right…"
"Mama…I gotta tell ya somethin' too…" Abby lowers head and grips the pillow on her lap, finding it difficult to find the words.
"Yes?"
"Abby…can't remember anythin' from back then…nothin'…" Abby begins to shake as she struggles to stop herself from crying again.
"Mon cher?"
"I don't remember anythin'! Why…why can't I?!" Abby reaches her limit and begins to bawl as her mother gives her a hug.
"Oh, mon cher, it's okay...just let it all out."
"I…can't even remember why Cree hates me…and I can't stand it…"
"I understand, Abigail. We'll have Papa take you to the hospital for a checkup, okay? Maybe they can find out why you have amnesia."
"…okay…"
"Now why don't you rest for a bit, mon cher? I'll call the school and tell them that you weren't feeling well."
"Sorry…"
"Ah, no need to apologize, mon cher. You just close your eyes and rest." Mrs. Lincoln kisses her daughter on the cheek and takes off Abby's cap, putting it on her nightstand before leaving the room.
Abby then lies on her back and stares at the ceiling in silence but her mother's story has left an impression on her. "Nigel was right…somethin' did happen to us at the end of May…maybe Cree was there too…" she then rolls on to her side and once again looks at the photo on her nightstand. "…she's gotta know somethin'…but Abby can't just go and ask…"
3 hours go by as Abby tries to come to grips with what she heard from her mother and the things she saw and heard in the dream. Then she gets up and stretches her arms. "I can't just lie here and do nothin'…I wanna know more." She leaves her room and goes up to the attic, where she starts rummaging through boxes, trying to find something that could help. However, at first, she only finds old kitchen ware and old clothes as well as huge box filled with clown related things. "Huh, Daddy still keeps his old stuff…" Abby mutters and digs deeper until finally she finds a box with her name on it. "Hah, Abby's hunch was right." She opens the box but she finds only baby clothes. Undeterred, she pushes the clothes away and finally finds something out of the ordinary. It's an old, worn backpack with a red and white logo painted on it.
" 'KND'…KND? KND!" the moment she speaks those letters, Abby is struck by a stinging headache that causes her to lose her balance and collapse on the attic floor. "Ghhh...damn...it's...just like before..." but as quickly as it arrived, the headache goes away just as quickly, leaving Abby exhausted. "This is crazy..." then, as Abby stands up, she remembers what happened when she and the others were investigating Cree's room. Anxious, she opens the backpack but to her disappoint, it's empty. "Aw man…I knew it…" She laments and puts the clothes she threw out back into the box but instead of placing the back as well, she looks at it and takes it with her. "At least it's somethin'…" Abby closes the box and leaves the attic. Then, as she passes her room, she throws the backpack onto her bed before heading downstairs but as she does so, the red logo on the backpack blinks for a few seconds.
Later that evenin, Abby is laying on the living room sofa, staring at her phone. She hasn't done any of her homework or even messaged her friends. "Abigail, are you feeling better?" her mother sits down on a recliner opposite the sofa and has a concerned expression.
"Dunno…Abby don't know what to think…nothin' makes sense…"
"Have you talked with your friends about this?"
"All the time. Abby ain't the only one with amnesia…Nigel, Fanny, Hoagie, Kuki and Wally all got the same problem…we remember nothin' from elementary and middle school…"
"Oh, mon dieu, that's horrible."
"Don't worry, Mama, we've got each other and we're gonna find out why…I hope."
"Just remember Abigail that if you ever need help, Mama and Papa are here for you."
"I know that." Abby smiles weakly just as her phone rings. "Huh? Kuki? Sorry Mama, I gotta take this." Abby quickly jumps out of the sofa and runs upstairs while her mother smiles, glad that her daughter has cheered up, if only a little.
After closing her room's door, Abby hops on her bed and answers the call. "What up?"
"Abby! I'm really sorry, I totally forgot to call you earlier!"
"It's fine Kuki, don't worry about it."
"Great! Hey, how did karate go?"
Abby bites her lip and hesitates for a moment before answering. "Uhm…Abby didn't feel good, so she went home…"
"Eh?! What do you mean?! Are you okay?! You're not sick, are you?!"
"Calm down, girl! Abby's fine! I just took a nap and now I'm ok. Sheesh, why do ya gotta always go nuts like that?"
"Because I'm your friend and friends take care of each other!"
"Heh, Abby knows that…thanks…" Abby replies and smiles gratefully. "Ya always have Abby's back, don't ya?"
"Oh yeah! Do you have a dress for the Christmas party?" however, Kuki's question causes Abby's smile instantly as she remembers the party is only three weeks away.
"Dress?! The heck ya talkin' about? Abby ain't gonna wear no stupid dress. It ain't my style."
"But you have to! Rachel, Fanny and I are gonna wear dresses!"
"Well Abby ain't you. She's got plenty of clothes to choose from already."
"Okay…anyway, we were thinking of going Christmas shopping on the weekend after this one. You wanna come?"
"Hmm…sure, Abby's got time. Who's comin'?"
"It's just us girls."
"Heh, that's fine with Abby."
"Yay! It's gonna be so fun!" Kuki says excitedly while Abby chuckles slightly.
"Uhm…Kuki, Abby's got a question."
"What is it?"
"Do ya think we're ever gonna know how we lost our memories?"
"Of course, we will! We know so much already."
"Yeah…nah, forget it."
"Abby?"
"It's nothin'. Forget I asked…do ya need a ride to school tomorrow?"
"But you're starting earlier tomorrow, right?"
"Huh? Oh yeah, of course, right. Sorry, Abby totally forgot."
"I'll go with Hoagie and Wally, but I can come home with you after tennis practice is over."
"Yeah, okay. Let's do that."
"Okidoki! So anyway…" Kuki starts rambling about this and that, her voice calming Abby down. The girls then continue talking late into the night, but Abby is unable to tell Kuki about her dream, or what her mother told her.
End of Transmission 30
Note: Woohoo, I don't think I've ever released a chapter this quickly. This one was pretty easy, since all the Sector V related parts have existed since 2019, so all I had to do was splice them here after fixes.
I wanna talk about Lizzie for a bit here. She's a pretty divisive figure in the fandom, based on what I've seen and based on the conversations I've had on Discord at least and I want to give my two cents: I personally think despite the fact she grinds my gears in almost every episode she appears in, the fact she was a GKND spy this whole time opens her up for all kinds of possiblities and that is why I think she's very interresting. It wouldn't have made any sense to NOT include her in this story at all, and I intend to go far with her character, but she'll remain a supporting member of the cast.
At this rate, I'm might be able to release one more chapter before summer vacation ends, since it's almost 80% done now. Then it's back to university again.